Brown expectant eyes, a shy smile and reddening cheeks greeted me as soon as I opened the gate, a small wave and quiet 'hi' when her eyes met mine. I couldn't help the smile from forming on my lips at how endearing she is.

A bouquet of pink tulips was handed to me, before a hand offered itself as I stepped out the place. Aiden opened the door on the passenger side, closing it for me when I was seated. A smile made its way to my lips when I saw her strong grip on the steering wheel. She's nervous.

"Y-You look beautiful." It was said in a small voice that I barely heard it.

"Thank you, so do you." A chuckle escaped me when she blushed a pink hue. "Where are we going?" I asked to try and ease her nerves, working when I noticed her grip loosening.

"I rented a cabin near a lake, it's an hour drive from here."

I hummed. "Where'd you get the car?" I scanned the inside, it didn't look like it's hers. The ambiance and design.

"Zoey's," she answered. "She knows that I like someone, she just doesn't know who. I told her it's for a date."

"Your blonde friend, right?" I was given a nod. "Tell me about your friends."

I always see Aiden with the same three people, sometimes along with the red-headed girl she kissed.

"Well, you know Julius, he's the only guy friend I have." I nodded. He's in my class, smart but very loud. "Then there's Lexie, she's the brunette and dating Juls. I like her a lot, she's very sweet and caring. And Zoey, you could say she's the girl version of Julius, although less annoying and more thoughtful."

I chuckled. "You find them annoying?"

The taller woman smiled sheepishly. "Sometimes. It's fine though, they know they're annoying. They do it on purpose most of the time. And ah... that's about it, I didn't have friends during my highschool or back at home."

My brow raised in curiosity. "How about the red-head? Is she not your friend?"

Aiden pursed her lips. "Oh yeah, I just didn't know if you'd want me to say anything about her."

"Well, I do."

"We don't hangout often because she's a junior, our schedules don't match. Hmm, she's nice and very understanding. One of the kindest people I've ever met."

"I see." She did seem like a nice girl.

Aiden cleared her throat. "What about your friends? Can you tell me about them?"

"You know Tristan, despite our situation, he's still my bestfriend. He's been my rock for years, someone who understands me. Then there's Sydney, we haven't been seeing each other due to some personal issues, but she's been my friend since middle school."

Aiden's interest about my friends extended our conversation until we arrived at the place. She opened the door for me, before taking what it looks like to be a picnic bag from the backseat. A simple one-story cabin greeted me, facing the view of the pristine lake, surrounded by tall trees and a variety of wild flowers, all different in color.

A wooden table and long chair under a pergola roof next to the cabin, a stone fireplace to its side. Aiden guided me towards the shed, placing the basket down.

"Do... Do you like it?"

I nodded, in awe of the breathtaking scenery. "It's lovely. Thank you for bringing me here."

"Do you want to eat first? I cooked this time." The proudness in her tone made me smile. When I nodded, Aiden laid everything out for me. Every food familiar to my eyes and suited to my taste.

We talked about it a month ago.

She remembered?

My mouth almost dropped open at the sight. "You made these?"

She nodded. "Did I get your favorites, right?"

"I...you did," I bit my lip, feeling overwhelmed. "Thank you."

Another small 'thank you' was all I could say when Aiden served me. Her movement careful and gentle, eyes observing and taking in every little movements. The happiness she radiated when I said the food was perfect made me feel something I couldn't quite describe.

All I know is that this day, being with her, made me feel like the most fortunate person on earth.

It feels nice to be taken care of after years of doing everything on your own.

"Are we allowed to take a swim here?" I directed at the beautiful lake, its color reflected from the blue sky. The calmness of the shallow water inviting me for a dive. Aiden turned with a look of confusion.

"Yeah, why?"

It's been a while since I've been on a date, much less a vacation. I miss relaxing and enjoying time for myself without any worries.

"I kind of want to swim." I didn't really bring any bikini, but my undergarments will have to do, it isn't exactly unpleasing to the eye. "Can we?"

I noticed the way her throat bobbed and how she suddenly seemed nervous, the sign showing from her fidgeting hands and avoidant eyes. Shifting her body in discomfort.

The quickness in her breathing and tensed muscles along with her clenched fists indicated her uneasiness with my proposal. The obvious anxiety radiated off of her. My brows furrowed in worry and my heart arched upon realizing why.

"It's okay if you don't want to." I said with a smile, trying to ease her nerves. Taking her hand gently in mine, I fought the urge to be cowardly.

"N-No, uh... it's okay, we can take a swim. This date is for you after all."

I frowned at that. "I would prefer if this date is for the both of us. You don't have to push yourself for something you're not comfortable with, Darling."

Aiden bit her bottom lip, eyes finally looking at me and not elsewhere, scanning my face for any lie with my words. I squeezed her hand in assurance, my thumb caressing the back of her palm. Her body relaxed a little bit, shoulders loosening from its tensed state.

"You're really okay w-with me? My..." I nodded when she couldn't find the word to describe her genitals.

"I am, Darling. I promise."

Taking a deep breath, I was taken a back when she gave a determined nod and started unbuttoning her shirt one by one after letting go of my hand. "We're swimming."

"Are you sure?" I asked with an amused smile, loving the sudden confidence.

"Yes." Her throat bobbed. "I want to try, for me."

"I want to stop being afraid." She added firmly. I couldn't help but smile, my heart soaring in happiness for her. Feeling proud of her determination to finally accepting herself fully. It may be a slow progress, but I'm willing to stay with her along the way.

Although some of her wariness is still present, Aiden continued to rid herself of clothes. My eyes followed the way she took off her shirt, revealing a black sports bra underneath. I was met with a taut stomach, abs defined enough to see its outline and the top of her v-cut revealed, the rest hidden under her jeans.

A deep curiosity and worry settled in me upon seeing obvious scars on her body, it wasn't many, but it was enough to make someone think it was definitely done on purpose. Although I knew I couldn't ask. Aiden will tell me if she's ready.

My thoughts got interrupted when Aiden apprehensively pulled off her pants, allowing me to see a black boy shorts, confining the reason of her anxiety. I averted my eyes from the sight, clearing my throat when the memory of how I found out about her situation crossed my mind.

Ridding myself of those thoughts, I waited until she finished folding her discarded clothes.

"I-It's your turn," A shy voice said next to me. Aiden had her arms wrapped around herself. Doing no good as the action just emphasized her biceps.

Deciding against going to the cabin to change, I pulled off the sleeves blouse over my head and the white trousers, leaving me in a pair of red brassiere and brazilian undergarment.

Even though I wasn't looking, I could feel Aiden's stare, the intensity making me feel conscious all of the sudden. The indented streaks just below my stomach, the sides of my hips and thighs all exposed for her to see.

The changes in my body during my pregnancy with Aaron years ago could be seen, from my wider hips, a pinch of excess flesh below my abdomen, and the scar from the C-section. I never managed to bring my old body back, but I also never once regretted it. I gave birth to a beautiful, intelligent and kind child. He was the best thing that ever happened to me.

But it doesn't mean that I wasn't insecure about my body, especially in front of a young woman whose body seemed to be sculpted by g-d himself, toned, uniform in color and well-defined.

"You are beyond perfect."

The admiration laced in her voice made me turn, witnessing how her eyes drank in the sight of me. The pace of my beating heart quickened, her stare raising goosebumps all over my skin.

Not wanting her to see my face, I stood up and marched towards the cool water and submerged my body, Aiden following afterwards, placing herself a few distance away from me.

Swallowing down the lump in my throat and pushing the rational thoughts away, I moved closer to the taller woman, placing my arms around her neck and letting my body touch hers. Her warmth clearing my mind.

I let my lips press softly against the longest scar just above her chest.

"You are beyond perfect."

🌷🌸🌺